Running/parking lights do not work

Tiny
MR VIS
  • MEMBER
  • 1971 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 149,000 MILES
Hi I have a Super Beetle. My running/ parking lights don’t work. My blinkers, flashers, brake lights and head lights all work fine. Also, my light inside my speedometer doesn’t work.
Please help. I am not good at electrical.
Thanks
Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 AT 8:24 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
KENW1
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
Thanks for visiting 2CarPros.

Start by checking you fuses. You can visibly see the metal strip and if it's broken it's blown. There are two that are fed by gray wires.

If both fuses check okay remove the light switch and check for voltage on the grey wire. If voltage is present then the switch is good, if not the switch is bad.

I'll post the wiring diagram below, I've circled the fuses and light switch wire in green.

Also, below is a link on using a test light to check for voltage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlna_kUt7As

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Tuesday, February 19th, 2019 AT 9:22 AM
Tiny
MR VIS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hello. I am replying to the message you sent me. I checked my rear light bulbs and all the filaments look good. The running/parking lights don’t work. I checked the number 1 and 2 fuses and they look good also. I did not pull out the light switch because the headlights work when it is pulled.
Could the switch still be bad if the headlights work?
Also my speedometer light doesn’t work. I know the light switch has a dimmer on it. Could this be the switch also?
Thanks for your help. I’m not mechanically Inclined and my wires look like a rats nest so it is hard to figure out what goes where. I love to tinker with it but not sure where to go or what comes next.
Thanks again,
Travis Noland
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Monday, March 18th, 2019 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
KENW1
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
Hello, it is possible for the headlamps to work and the parking circuit of the switch to be bad. If all fuses and bulbs are good. I would go forth with switch replacement.
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Monday, March 18th, 2019 AT 11:59 AM
Tiny
MR VIS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, thank you. That will be my next move.
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Monday, March 18th, 2019 AT 12:29 PM
Tiny
MR VIS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hello again. Is the grey wire you wanted me to test on the switch the wire for just for the parking lights?
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Monday, March 18th, 2019 AT 5:51 PM
Tiny
KENW1
  • MECHANIC
  • 213 POSTS
Correct, the grey wire feds parking and gauge illumination.
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Monday, March 18th, 2019 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
MR VIS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Great I will check that today.
Thank you
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Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 AT 5:41 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
KENW1 is one of our best! Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 12:11 PM
Tiny
MR VIS
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I have a headlight switch on order. I will let you know. Do you guys sell parts or just help?
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Just help.
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Saturday, March 23rd, 2019 AT 10:50 AM

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